God's Coaching #183

God's Coaching #183

Once you experience the freedom and power of surfing, it becomes something you long to do again and again. At the Hurley US Open of Surfing in 2009, some pro surfers helped a few friends to enjoy a ride on the waves. There was nothing unusual about that. But what was unusual was that the people they helped were paralyzed. Some couldn’t move their legs. Some couldn’t move their arms or legs. But with the help of special equipment and knowledgeable friends pushing their surfboards, these disabled people were able to surf the ocean waves.

A surfer named Jesse Billauer knew just how they felt. He was the quadriplegic who started this “They Will Surf Again” event through his Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO). Jesse was a promising surfer with his sights set on the pros. But when he was 17, a wipeout snapped his spinal cord and left him paralyzed. He didn’t let that keep him out of the waves. With the help of some friends and professional surfers, Jesse relearned to surf by lying on his board and being pushed into the breaking waves. He started LRO to inspire and help other disabled people follow their passions. He loves helping them learn to surf, too.

What’s the Score?

Jesse’s story is similar to a Bible story in Mark 2: “Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.” Jesus was impressed by their faith and probably by their commitment to help their friend. He healed the paralyzed man and forgave his sins.

Those four guys were good friends, like the surfers who carried the disabled people into the water. They knew Jesus was the only hope for their paralyzed buddy, and they didn’t let anything stop them from making sure he got help. We all need friends like that. And we each need to be a friend like that. Friends like that turn the waves of life from intimidating to enjoyable.

On the Ball

Spend your energy today helping a friend in need. You may not be able to totally solve the problem, but don’t give up until your friend knows he or she is not alone.

Coach’s Comment

Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Mark 2:3-4